Paradise Found

The Grand Mademoiselle recently returned from a lovely vacation in rural Kentucky to happen upon a new Eden in the fashion world. Although paradise can certainly be found within the bucolic landscapes of lush, green, picturesque farms dotting the countryside, true heaven for the Grand M is the provocatively vivid, imaginative, and idyllic u-turn taken by shoe designers and enthusiastically donned by fashionistas. Something rare and precious is happening these days that elicits sheer joy and irreverent bliss in the Grand M's heart, moving us ever closer to the holy of holies, that arcanum concealing the style mysteries of fashion nirvana, which the Grand M imagines to be the realization of an untrendy trend. Nothing thrills the Grand M more than freedom, and the opportunity to mix biker jackets with feathered pumps embodies the Elysian gaiety currently consuming fashion, injecting a much needed dose of personality into cookie-cutter, runway copycats. Witness the delectable creations from Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain, all characterized by forceful gladiator details, towering heels, odd shapes, and effortlessly paired with a broad range of garments to form a halcyon panoply of enviable ensembles. Worn with everything from trouser shorts and tailored blazers to haute couture mini dresses and ball gowns (a la Sex & The City), this new breed of bold footwear is uniquely versatile and quite simply ... strange. It's as if we had regretfully forgotten that the shoes needn't match the dress, that in fact, it's better if they don't, and in a big way.

Of course, it's difficult for Grand M's to translate the looks sported by Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker given the unforgivable absence of au courant footwear in larger sizes. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and with a bit of savvy and a sprinkle of luck, the exciting new trend is accessible to all. The secret to successfully co-opting this current style can be found in the marriages of masculine and feminine, bold designs and minimalism, bohemian details and debutante joie de vivre. Take a pair of high-waisted, pinstripe gabardine trousers and throw on a wild magenta chiffon jacket with studded snake skin ankle booties. Pick a classic A-line cocktail dress and slip into some 4" yellow ostrich leather espadrilles. Do whatever, just make it your own!

Running freely with this exhilarating burst of fashion freedom, the Grand M has selected her favorite picks to represent the achievement of style Utopia. Without rules, anything goes, so choose your own items and let it rip. The Grand M simply adores a good gladiator sandal, and designer Matt Bernson offers the perfect pair. The 'KM Gladiator' in soft gold, with its sparkle suede leather upper, handsome oiled foot bed, bold golden studs, and delicately woven straps is absolutely ideal. Step into Zac Posen's 'Reglisse' silk dress in your KM's and you've done it. The sumptuous black silk, intricately sculpted bodice, rolled rope scalloped neck, and puff sleeves scream adventurous elegance. Posen is a master of contrast, and the 'Reglisse' is no exception. The dainty bow and pleat detailing adorning the front are offset by a cheeky peekaboo back and vented hem, adding just the right splash of vamp to a potentially staid sheath. Combined with Bernson's gladiators, the 'Reglisse' provides a perfectly executed instantiation of fashion paradise found.






If flats aren't your cup of tea, take another approach and mix a fabulously colorful and intricate statement top or jacket with laid back shorts and fashion-forward footwear. The Grand M's picks? Matthew Williamson's 'Racer Back Embellished Waistcoat' over a casual Hanes tank with Helmut Lang's slightly corporate tailored black shorts, jazzed up by the outlandishly fanciful proportions of Corso Como's 'Dodie' wedge heels. Williamson's unusual waistcoat is a great foundation to build your look around, and the rainbow of shimmering paillettes is perfectly countered by the hippie fringing, retro flower appliques, and modest button detailing. The deep V-neck and racer back design add surprising modern twists to what might otherwise remain a rather common, old-fashioned bohemian vest. To add interest and spark curiosity, go against the grain and pair Williamson's waistcoat with Lang's minimalistic, black cotton poplin shorts. The simple, easy, and faintly masculine silhouette, complete with soft pleats and fabulous side pockets, hits just above the knee and offers an unforeseen yet delightful addition to the mish-mash of colors and fabrics in Williamson's top.






Now for the real excitement ... Corso's 'Dodie' heel is essential to transforming this ensemble into a paradisal style showpiece, and it demonstrates the playful spirit of the newly untrendy trend. Tower above the crowd as you stand proudly atop four glorious inches of shoe heaven, resting on a 3/4" platform. The 'Dodie' is available in black, bone, and deep blue (blue being the Grand M's favorite). This innovative ankle bootie is artfully crafted with a black satin leather-tipped ankle tie, and the soft calf leather upper and cushioned insole guarantee a pain-free day out on the town. With its whimsical shape and Crayola color, the 'Dodie' is the must-have shoe of fashion nirvana ... The best part of fashion paradise found? You get to make it your own.